Fiber distribution module

ABSTRACT

An apparatus implements a cable distribution module. The apparatus includes a trunk cable with inner cables and includes breakout cables that correspond to the inner cables. The apparatus further includes a transition breakout between the trunk cable and the breakout cables and includes an outdoor rated path that includes the trunk cable, the transition breakout, and the one or more breakout cables. The apparatus further includes connectors to which the breakout cables are connected and an unsealed module supporting the one or more connectors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application63/251,390, filed Oct. 1, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application63/127,379, filed Dec. 18, 2020. Each of the applications identifiedabove are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Trunk cables are used transmit power and data with optical andelectrical signals. Trunk cables contain inner cables that are brokenout from the trunk cable to connect the inner cables (also referred toas breakout cables) to power and data communications equipment. Achallenge is to break out the inner cables from the trunk cable andprotect the inner cables from outdoor environments.

SUMMARY

In general, in one or more aspects, the disclosure relates to anapparatus that implements a cable distribution module. The apparatusincludes a trunk cable with inner cables and includes breakout cablesthat correspond to the inner cables. The apparatus further includes atransition breakout between the trunk cable and the breakout cables andincludes an outdoor rated path that includes the trunk cable, thetransition breakout, and the one or more breakout cables. The apparatusfurther includes connectors to which the one or more breakout cables areconnected and an unsealed module supporting the one or more connectors.

In general, in one or more aspects, the disclosure relates to a methodthat includes. providing a trunk cable with one or more inner cables andproviding one or more breakout cables corresponding to the one or moreinner cables. The method further includes installing a transitionbreakout between the trunk cable and the one or more breakout cables andincludes forming an outdoor rated path that includes the trunk cable,the transition breakout, and the one or more breakout cables. The methodfurther includes providing one or more connectors to which the one ormore breakout cables are connected and includes supporting the one ormore connectors with an unsealed module.

In general, in one or more aspects, the disclosure relates to anapparatus that includes a transition breakout with a trunk end and abreakout end. The apparatus further includes a trunk end cap thatreceives a trunk cable and is affixed to the trunk end and includes abreakout endcap that receives one or more breakout cables and is affixedto the breakout end. The apparatus further includes a coveringsurrounding the transition breakout, a portion of the trunk cable, and aportion of the one or more breakout cables to form an outdoor rated paththrough the transition breakout.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the followingdescription and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of systems in accordance with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show flowcharts in accordance with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, FIG. 5D,FIG. 5E, FIG. 5F, FIG. 5G, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10show examples in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the variousfigures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a morethorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known featureshave not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicatingthe description.

Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third,etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e., any noun in theapplication). The use of ordinal numbers is not to imply or create anyparticular ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to beingonly a single element unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use ofthe terms “before”, “after”, “single”, and other such terminology.Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between theelements. By way of an example, a first element is distinct from asecond element, and the first element may encompass more than oneelement and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering ofelements.

In general, embodiments of the disclosure provide a fiber distributionmodule that breaks out and protects the inner cables from outdoorenvironments. The fiber distribution module is unsealed to reducedcomplexity. The trunk cable, the breakout cables, and the transitionbreakout between the trunk cables and the breakout cables areindividually sealed to protect the cables from outdoor environments. Theunsealed module has a modular design that discloses connectors forcables that run from the unsealed module to the communications equipmenton a tower.

FIG. 1 shows diagrams of systems that are in accordance with thedisclosure. Embodiments of FIG. 1 may be combined and may include or beincluded within the features and embodiments described in the otherfigures of the application. The features and elements of FIG. 1 are,individually and as a combination, improvements to cable distributiontechnology and systems. The various elements, systems, and componentsshown in FIG. 1 may be omitted, repeated, combined, and/or altered asshown from FIG. 1. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosureshould not be considered limited to the specific arrangements shown inFIG. 1.

Turning to FIG. 1, the system (100) is a data communication system. Thesystem (100) includes the tower (182) and the station equipment (190)that are connected by the trunk cable (150) and the unsealed module(102).

The unsealed module (102) encloses the breakout cables (112) andsupports the outdoor connectors (110) to which the breakout cables (112)are connected. The unsealed module (102) is not sealed against theenvironment to reduce complexity of the unsealed module (102), which mayexpose the elements within the unsealed module (102) (e.g., the breakoutcables (112)) to factors of an outdoor environment including dirt,water, temperature extremes, etc. The unsealed module (102) may be madefrom rigid plastic to support the elements within the unsealed module(102). The unsealed module (102) includes the ground bar (105), theoutdoor connectors (110), the pole clamp (118), the breakout cables(112), and the transition breakout (120).

The ground bar (105) is an electrical ground for the components of thesystem (100). For example, the tower equipment (185) may includemultiple components with separate ground wires that are connected to theground bar (105). In one embodiment, the ground bar (105) includesmultiple screw terminals in which a ground wires are held to the groundbar (105) with tightened screws.

The outdoor connectors (110) provide connection points for the towercables (180), which connect to the tower equipment (185). The outdoorconnectors (110) may include a number of electrical connectors, opticalconnectors, hybrid connectors, etc. The hybrid connectors may includeconnections for optical connectors and for electrical connectors.

In one embodiment, the outdoor connectors (110) may be angled. Forexample, the outdoor connectors (110) may be angled with respect to thepole (188) by about 45 degrees downward (away from the sky) after theunsealed module (102) is installed to the pole (188) of the tower (182).

The pole clamp (118) attaches the unsealed module (102) to the tower(182). The pole clamp (118) fastens to the pole (188) of the tower(182). In one embodiment, the pole clamp (118) is attached to theproximal end (115) of the unsealed module (102).

The breakout cables (112) are an extension of the inner cables (162)from the trunk cable (150). The breakout cables (112) extend from thetransition breakout (120) to the outdoor connectors (110). The breakoutcables (112) are individually sealed against environmental conditions.The breakout cables (112) may include an additional sheath to cover andprotect individual ones of the breakout cables (112). The additionalsheath protects the cables (power conductors, optical fibers, electricalwires, etc.) within the breakout cables (112) as the breakout cablesextend between the breakout end (122) of the transition breakout (120)to the outdoor connectors (110).

The transition breakout (120) breaks out the inner cables (162) from thetrunk cable (150) to the breakout cables (112). The transition breakout(120) includes the breakout end (122), the breakout end cap (125), thetransition tube (127), the trunk end cap (128), and the trunk end (130).

The breakout end (122) of the transition breakout (120) receives thebreakout end cap (125). The breakout cables (112) extend out from thebreakout end (122) into the unsealed module (102).

The breakout end cap (125) receives the breakout cables (112). Thebreakout end cap (125) may be made of a rigid plastic and includes holesfor each of the breakout cables (112). The breakout end cap (125) isattached to the breakout end (122) of the transition breakout (120).

The transition tube (127) is a tube to which the breakout end cap (125)and the trunk end cap (128) are fastened. The transition tube (127) isthe portion of the transition breakout (120) where the inner cables(162) (from the trunk cable (150)) are connected to the breakout cables(112). In one embodiment, one or more of the inner cables (162) may beindividually spliced to one or more of the breakout cables (112).

The trunk end cap (128) receives the trunk cable (150). The trunk endcap (128) may be made of a rigid plastic and includes a hole for thetrunk cable (150). In one embodiment, the trunk end cap (128) mayinclude multiple holes for multiple trunk cables that are splicedthrough to the breakout cables (112). The trunk end cap (128) isattached to the trunk end (130) of the transition breakout (120).

The trunk end (130) of the transition breakout (120) receives the trunkend cap (128). The trunk cable (150) extends out from the trunk end(130).

In one embodiment, the unsealed module (102) includes the distal end(108) and the proximal end (115). The distal end (108) may form a coverof the unsealed module (102) to which the outdoor connectors (110) areattached. The cover provides sufficient room for the optical fibers ofthe inner cables (162) to reach the outdoor connectors (110) andmaintain the bend radii of the optical fibers. The proximal end (115)may form a base of the unsealed module (102) to which the pole clamp(118) is attached.

The outdoor rated path (132) is the path formed by the trunk cable(150), the transition breakout (120), and the breakout cables (112). Inone embodiment, the individual wires and fibers that carry optical andelectrical signals through the trunk cable (150), the transitionbreakout (120), and the breakout cables (112) are not individually ratedfor use outdoors. The individual wires and fibers may be susceptible todamage from environmental factors including temperature extremes, water,etc. Securing the individual wires and fibers within the trunk cable(150), the transition breakout (120), and the breakout cables (112)protects the individual wires and fibers and the power and data signalsfrom environmental factors.

The trunk cable (150) connects between the unsealed module and thestation equipment (190) to provide power and data signals to the towerequipment (185). The trunk cable (150) includes the sheath (158), theripcord (160) the inner cables (162), the hoisting grip (152), and thespool (155).

The sheath (158) is an outer covering of the trunk cable (150). Thesheath (158) protects the inner cables (162) from environmental factors.In one embodiment, the sheath is made from waterproof airtight plasticand prevents water, dirt, and air from reaching the inner cables (162).

The ripcord (160) is an industrial yarn located longitudinally justunder the sheath (158). The ripcord (160), when pulled, cuts back thesheath (158) to expose the inner cables (162) without cutting the innercables (162).

The inner cables (162) are the set of cables that carry power andcommunication signals along the trunk cable (150). The inner cables(162) may not be individually protected against environmental conditionsand be susceptible to damage when exposed to an outdoor environment,e.g., outside of the trunk cable (150). The inner cables (162) includethe ground wire (165), the electrical cables (168), and the opticalcables (170).

The ground wire (165) is an electrical wire that is connected to groundwhen the trunk cable (150) is installed. The ground wire (165) preventsexcess charge from building up inside the trunk cable (150).

The electrical cables (168) are a set of one or more cables in the trunkcable (150) that carry electrical signals along the trunk cable (150).The electrical cables (168) may include one or more power conductorsthat transmit power along the trunk cable (150). The electrical cables(168) may include one or more data cables that transmit data signalsalong the trunk cable (150).

The optical cables (170) are a set of one or more cables in the trunkcable (150) that carry optical signal along the trunk cable (150). Theoptical cables (170) include the optical fibers (172) and the opticalconnectors (175).

The optical fibers (172) are a set of one or more fibers in the opticalcables (170). Each optical fiber may carry a set of one or more opticalsignals.

The optical connectors (175) are the connectors between the opticalcables (170) and the station equipment (190). The optical connectors(175) secure the optical cables (170) to the station equipment (190) forthe transmission of the optical signals between the optical cables (170)and the station equipment (190).

The hoisting grip (152) is a grip that connects the trunk cable (150) toa support member. For example, the hoisting grip (152) may connect thetrunk cable (150) to the tower (182) to lift, support, and secure thetrunk cable (150) to the tower (182).

The spool (155) is a reel around which the trunk cable (150) may bewrapped. For example, prior to installation to the tower (182), thetrunk cable (150) (before or after being attached to the unsealed module(102)) may be wrapped around the spool (155) and then shipped to thelocation of the tower (182).

The tower (182) is a structure that supports telecommunicationsequipment (e.g., antennas) for broadcasting wireless communicationsignals. The tower (182) includes the tower equipment (185) and the pole(188).

The tower equipment (185) generates wireless signals from the electricaland optical signals from the station equipment (190). The towerequipment (185) may include antennas, computers, routers, etc.

The pole (188) is a structural element of the tower (182). The pole(188) may be a cylindrical shaft. The pole (188) provides support forequipment attached to the tower (182), including the unsealed module(102).

The station equipment (190) transmits and receives optical andelectrical signals to and from the tower equipment (185) of the tower(182). The optical and electrical signals are used for wirelesscommunications with other devices with the range of the tower. Thestation equipment (190) may operate in accordance with one or morestandards, including 4G, LTE, 5G standards.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show flowcharts of a process in accordance with thedisclosure. The embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be combined and mayinclude or be included within the features and embodiments described inthe other figures of the application. The features of FIGS. 2A and 2Bare, individually and as an ordered combination, improvements to cabledistribution technology and systems. While the various steps in theflowcharts are presented and described sequentially, one of ordinaryskill will appreciate that at least some of the steps may be executed indifferent orders, may be combined or omitted, and at least some of thesteps may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, the steps may beperformed actively or passively.

Turning to FIG. 2A, the process (200) implements a fiber distributionmodule. The module may be integrated with a trunk cable.

At Step 202, a trunk cable is provided that includes one or more innercables. The trunk cable is constructed with a sheath surrounding theinner cables. The trunk cable may include a ripcord within the trunkcable. The inner cables may include electrical and optical cablesconfigured to carry power and data signals.

In one embodiment, the trunk cable may be wrapped around a spool. Aproximal end of the trunk cable may be unwound from the spool andprocessed to form the distribution module with the proximal end with thebulk of the trunk cable remaining wound around the spool.

At Step 204, one or more breakout cables are provided that correspond tothe one or more inner cables. The breakout cables correspond to theinner cables in that the breakout cables are configured to carry thepower and data signals from the inner cables. Each breakout cableincludes an outer covering that protects cables within the breakoutcables from environmental factors.

At Step 206, a transition breakout is installed between the trunk cableand the breakout cables. The installation is further described withrespect to FIG. 2B.

At Step 208, an outdoor rated path is formed that includes the trunkcable, the transition breakout, and the breakout cables. The path from adistal end of the trunk cable, to a proximal end of the trunk cable,through the transition breakout, and through the breakout cables isoutdoor rated. Each of the trunk cable, the transition breakout, and thebreakout cables are rated for outdoor use may be installed and operatedin outdoor environments.

At Step 210, connectors to which the breakout cables are connected areprovided. A single connector may be connected to one or more breakoutcables.

At Step 212, the connectors are supported with an unsealed module. Theunsealed module provides a rigid structure, which supports theconnectors.

Turning to FIG. 2B, the process (250) implements a transition breakout.The process (250) may be an extension of Step 206 of FIG. 2A.

At Step 252, the transition breakout is formed with a trunk end and abreakout end. The transition breakout includes a transition tube withholes on either end. The transition tube may be formed from a piece ofrigid plastic. One end of the transition tube forms the trunk end, andthe other end forms the breakout end.

At Step 254, a trunk cable is received at a trunk end cap that isaffixed to the trunk end. The trunk end cap may be formed from rigidplastic. The inner cables, from the trunk cable, are exposed in thetransition breakout. In one embodiment, the inner cables and the sheathare fitted through the trunk end cap. A section of the sheath is removedto expose the inner cables. In one embodiment, the inner cables from thetrunk cable may form the breakout cables. In one embodiment, one or moreof the inner cables may be spliced with the breakout cables.

At Step 256, breakout cables are received at a breakout endcap that isaffixed to the breakout end. The breakout endcap may be formed fromrigid plastic. The breakout endcap is configured to fit to the breakoutend of the transition tube and includes holes for each of the breakoutcables. A protective covering may be added to the inner cables from thetrunk cable to form the breakout cables. In one embodiment, one or moreof the inner cables already include a protective covering.

At Step 258, the transition breakout, a portion of the trunk cable, anda portion of the one or more breakout cables are surrounded with acovering to form an outdoor rated path through the transition breakout.In one embodiment, the covering may be a heat shrinkable plasticcovering. The covering protects the inner cables, which may be exposedin the transition tube of the transition breakout, from environmentalfactors.

FIGS. 3A through 10 show examples in accordance with the disclosure.Embodiments of FIGS. 3A through 10 may be combined and may include or beincluded within the features and embodiments described in the otherfigures of the application. The features and elements of FIGS. 3Athrough 10 are, individually and as a combination, improvements to cabledistribution technology and systems. The various features, elements,widgets, components, and interfaces shown in FIGS. 3A through 10 may beomitted, repeated, combined, and/or altered as shown. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure should not be considered limited to thespecific arrangements shown in FIGS. 3A through 10.

Turning to FIG. 3A, the cable distribution system (300) includes theunsealed module (302) connected to the trunk cable (304). The cabledistribution system (300) includes the ground bar (306).

The cable distribution system (300) includes the pole clamp (308). Thepole clamp (308) attaches the unsealed module (302) to the pole (310).

Turning to FIG. 3B, the distal end (352) of the trunk cable (304) isexposed to show the inner cables (354). The distal end (352) of thetrunk cable (304) may be the end of the trunk cable (304) that isconnected to station equipment. The inner cables (354) include the ripcord (356), the electrical cables (358), the optical cable (360), andthe ground wire (362).

The rip cord (356) is a fiber in the trunk cable (304). When pulled, therip cord (356) rips open the outer covering of the trunk cable (304).

The electrical cables (358) are electrical wires that carry electricalsignals along the trunk cable (304). The electrical signals may includepower signals, data signals, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the electrical cables (358) include three pairs ofpower conductors. One wire of a pair may connect to the positive voltageterminal of a power supply, and the other wire of a pair may connect toa negative voltage terminal of a power supply. The different wires mayhave different colors selected to identify the type of electrical signalused with the wire. In one embodiment.

In one embodiment, one or more of the electrical cables (358) may carryelectrical data signals. In one embodiment, one pair of wires of theelectrical cables (358) may carry data signals, and the two additionalpairs may carry power signals. More or fewer electrical cables may beprovided. Some of the electrical cables may have connecters (not shown)at an end of the cable.

The optical cable (360) includes one or more optical fibers that carryoptical signals along the trunk cable (304). The optical signals includedata signals for communication between the equipment through which thetrunk cable (304) is connected. The optical cable (360) includes theconnector (364). The connector (364) interfaces with an optical port onthe station equipment to which the trunk cable (304) is connected.

The ground wire (362) is an electrical cable within the trunk cable(304). The ground wire (362) may be connected to the ground bar (306)(of FIG. 3A). The ground wire (362) prevents the build up of excesselectrical charge.

Turing to FIG. 4A, the cable distribution system (400) includes theunsealed module (402). The unsealed module (402) is installed onto thepole (404) and attached to the trunk cable (406).

The trunk cable (406) includes the distal end (408). The distal end(408) includes three pairs of optical cables fitted to two connectorsand includes three pairs of power conductors.

The trunk cable (406) is fitted within the hoisting grip A (422) andhoisting grip B (425). The hoisting grips A (422) and B (425) supportthe trunk cable (406) after installation to a tower. In one embodiment,the length (428) from the unsealed module (402) to the hoisting grip A(422) is about six feet.

Turning to FIG. 4B, the cable distribution system (400) is not installedto a pole of a tower. The trunk cable (406) is wound around the spool(452).

Turning to FIG. 5A, the cable distribution system (500) includes theunsealed module (502). The unsealed module includes a proximal end (505)and a distal end (508).

The proximal end (505) includes the base (509) of the unsealed module(502) to which the cover (510) is attached with the screws (512). Theproximal end (505) includes the pole clamps A (515) and B (519).

The pole clamp A (515) includes a proximal end (518) and a distal end(520). The pole clamp B (519) includes similar structures and elementsas the pole clamp A (515). The proximal end (518) and the distal end(520) are fitted around a pole and squeezed together secure the unsealedmodule (502) into place. The bolts (522) secure the pole clamp A (515)to the unsealed module (502). The distal end (520) is secured with thecombination of the bolts (525) and nuts (528).

The proximal end (518) and the distal end (520) may be similarly shapedstructures. The proximal end (518) and the distal end (520) include theholes (530) used to secure the pole clamp A (515) to the unsealed module(502) with bolts (522) and to a pole with the bolts (525) and nuts(528).

The proximal end (518) and the distal end (520) include the digitallyshaped contours (532). The digitally shaped contours (532) are sized tofit multiple diameters of poles within the pole clamp A (515).

Turning to FIG. 5B, the cable distribution system (500) includes theconnectors (535) on the cover (510) of the distal end (508). The eightconnectors (535) are arranged into four rows and two columns. Theconnectors (535) are pointed at an angle away from the normal of thebase (509) that corresponds to an axis perpendicular to the base (509)and will be perpendicular to an axis of a pole to which the unsealedmodule (502) is attached. In one embodiment, the connectors are pointedaway at about a 45-degree angle from the normal of the base (509).

The trunk cable (503) fits into the unsealed module (502). Inside theunsealed module (502), the inner cables from the trunk cable (503) aresplit out into breakout cables that are fitted to the connectors (535).

Turning to FIG. 5C, an interior of the base (509) is shown. The poleclamps A (515) and B (518) include the plates (540) and (542). The bolts(522) are fitted into the plate (540) to secure the pole clamp A (515)to the base (509).

The trunk cable (503) is fitted to the transition breakout (505). Thetransition breakout (505) is fitted within the base (509) of theunsealed module (502)

Turning to FIG. 5D, a cut away of the cover (510) is shown. The cover(510) includes the openings (545) for the connectors (535). Differentembodiments may use different types of connectors.

Turning to FIG. 5E, the connector (535) is shown prior to installationinto the opening (545). The connector (535) is surrounded by the fitting(548), which is formed of two pieces. The fitting (548) snaps into theopening (545) to secure the connector (535) to the unsealed module(502).

Turning to FIG. 5F, the inside of the cover (510) is shown with thebreakout cables (550). The breakout cables (550) extend from thetransition breakout (505) to the connectors (535). The breakout cables(550) include an additional cover (552) that protects the inner cableand provides strain relief. The transition breakout (505) is wrapped inthe transition cover (555). The transition cover (555) covers atransition tube, a portion of the breakout cables, and a portion of thetrunk cable (503).

Turning to FIG. 5G, the transition breakout (505) is shown without thetransition cover (555) (of FIG. 5F). The trunk cable (503) entersthrough the trunk end cap (558). The inner cables (560) from the trunkcable (503) are exposed within the transition tube (562) and re-sheathedto form the breakout cables (568). The transition tube (562) includesthe hole (565). The hole (565) may be used to fill the transition tube(562) with epoxy. The breakout cables (568) are wrapped with anadditional cover (570).

Turning to FIG. 6, the cable distribution system (600) includes theunsealed module (602). The unsealed module (602) includes three rows andone column of connectors (605). Each of the connectors (605) is a hybridconnector that distributes electrical power signals and optical datasignals.

Turning to FIG. 7, the cable distribution system (700) includes theunsealed module (702). The unsealed module (702) includes three rows andtwo columns of connectors (705). In one embodiment, the cabledistribution system (700) is a “build as you go” system that includestwo single column cable distribution systems (see FIG. 6) that arejuxtaposed together.

Turning to FIG. 8, the cable distribution system (800) includes theunsealed module (802). The unsealed module (802) includes three rows andthree columns of connectors (805). In one embodiment, the cabledistribution system (800) is formed with a single three column cabledistribution system.

Turning to FIG. 9, the cable distribution system (900) includes theunsealed module (902). The unsealed module (902) includes three rows andthree columns of the connectors (905) and (908). The connectors (905)are hybrid connectors that carry electrical signals and optical signals.The connectors (908) are electrical connectors that carry electrical(e.g., power) signals. In one embodiment, the cable distribution system(900) may be formed by integrating one single column cable distributionsystem (see FIG. 6) and one two column cable distribution system (seeFIG. 7) into a three column cable distribution system.

Turning to FIG. 10, the cable distribution system (1000) is installed tothe tower (1002). The tower (1002) includes the pole (1005), to whichthe cable distribution system (1000) is attached using the pole clamps(1008). The trunk cable (1010) enters the unsealed module (1012). Theinner cables of the trunk cable (1010) are distributed to the connectors(1015). The tower cables are connected between connectors (1015) of thecable distribution system (1000) and tower equipment (e.g.,communications computing systems and antennas).

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of thisdisclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised whichdo not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by theattached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a trunk cablecomprising one or more inner cables; one or more breakout cablescorresponding to the one or more inner cables; a transition breakoutbetween the trunk cable and the one or more breakout cables; an outdoorrated path comprising the trunk cable, the transition breakout, and theone or more breakout cables; one or more connectors to which the one ormore breakout cables are connected; and an unsealed module supportingthe one or more connectors.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: the transition breakout comprising a trunk end and abreakout end; a trunk end cap that receives a trunk cable and is affixedto the trunk end; a breakout endcap that receives one or more breakoutcables and is affixed to the breakout end; and a covering surroundingthe transition breakout, a portion of the trunk cable, and a portion ofthe one or more breakout cables to form an outdoor rated path throughthe transition breakout.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a spool around which at least a portion of the trunk cableis wrapped.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a distalend of the unsealed module comprising the one or more connectors.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a proximal end of the unsealedmodule comprising a pole clamp.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a pole clamp of the unsealed module configured to clamp to apole of a tower.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: theone or more breakout cables enclosed within the unsealed module.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the transition breakoutenclosed within the unsealed module.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: the trunk cable comprising a plurality of electricalcables.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the trunkcable comprising an optical cable.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: an optical cable, of the trunk cable, comprising one or moreoptical fibers.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: anoptical cable, of the trunk cable, connected to an optical connector.13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a hoisting gripconnected to the trunk cable configured to support the trunk cable andconnect the trunk cable to a tower.
 14. A method, comprising: providinga trunk cable comprising one or more inner cables; providing one or morebreakout cables corresponding to the one or more inner cables;installing a transition breakout between the trunk cable and the one ormore breakout cables; forming an outdoor rated path comprising the trunkcable, the transition breakout, and the one or more breakout cables;providing one or more connectors to which the one or more breakoutcables are connected; and supporting the one or more connectors with anunsealed module.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: formingthe transition breakout with a trunk end and a breakout end; receiving atrunk cable at a trunk end cap that is affixed to the trunk end;receiving one or more breakout cables at a breakout endcap that isaffixed to the breakout end; and surrounding the transition breakout, aportion of the trunk cable, and a portion of the one or more breakoutcables with a covering to form an outdoor rated path through thetransition breakout.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:wrapping at least a portion of the trunk cable around a spool.
 17. Anapparatus comprising: a transition breakout comprising a trunk end and abreakout end; a trunk end cap that receives a trunk cable and is affixedto the trunk end; a breakout endcap that receives one or more breakoutcables and is affixed to the breakout end; and a covering surroundingthe transition breakout, a portion of the trunk cable, and a portion ofthe one or more breakout cables to form an outdoor rated path throughthe transition breakout.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, furthercomprising: the transition breakout enclosed within the unsealed module.19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: the one or morebreakout cables enclosed within the unsealed module.
 20. The apparatusof claim 17, further comprising: the trunk cable comprising a pluralityof power conductors and an optical cable.